Four local beaches have been forced to close due to dangerous levels of bacteria in the water.

Sangers Beach and North Beach on Lake Peekskill and Wildwood Knolls and Northview Beach on Lake Oscawana were all forced to close earlier this week and will remain closed through the Fourth of July weekend. During a routine test, the Putnam County Health Department discovered that there were dangerous levels of bacteria in the water.

A handwritten sign was posted blaming the bacteria on goose droppings, but a representative for the health department says that?s not the case. ?It could be the high temperatures, the lack of rain, it could be too much rain, it could be the location,? Anne Bitner says. ?It?s naturally occurring.?

People who want to hit the beach can still do so ? on the west side of the lake. Lifeguards say they were told the water on that side is not contaminated and is still safe for swimming.